(ANSA) - BELGRADE, DEC 28 - "The European Union and the United States of America are concerned about the continued tense situation in the north of Kosovo" and both call "on everyone to exercise maximum restraint, to take immediate action to unconditionally de-escalate the situation, and to refrain from provocations, threats, or intimidation," a statement posted on the European Union External Action's (EEAS) website reads.

"We are working with President Vučić and Prime Minister Kurti to find a political solution in order to defuse the tensions and agree on the way forward in the interest of stability, safety and well-being of all local communities," the statement continues.

The Kremlin denied that Russia was influencing Serbia to destabilize Kosovo, saying that Belgrade was simply defending the rights of ethnic Serbs, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said today. When asked about Kosovo's claim that Serbia was attempting to destabilize the country by bolstering the Serb minority, Peskov said it was "completely wrong" to look for any kind of destructive Russian influence. (ANSA).